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Sunday, June 5, 2011

Farmer's Wife Quilt-Along

OK, so by now I totally embrace the fact that I'm a little bit crazy. The latest bit of proof? I decided to jump in to the Farmer's Wife Quilt-Along, being hosted by Amanda and Angela. The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt is the basis of a book by Laurie Aaron Hird that features 111 6" block patterns. Every block is made by templates, which are found on the CD in the back of the book. You can check out Laurie's website to learn more.

I really wanted to jump in to the project because I am always so inspired by Amanda and Angela and the beautiful things they make, so I thought it would be fun to join them -- and a bunch of other Twitter buddies -- in this long-term project. The plan is to make 2 blocks per week, encouraged by all of the other quilt-along members.

The sampler quilt in the book is made from more traditional fabrics in muted tones, but I wanted to put a more contemporary spin on the quilt. I was lucky enough to get a FQ bundle of Terrain, Kate Spain's upcoming new line for Moda, at Quilt Market last month. (Thanks, Katy, for braving sample spree for me!) I decided to use these amazing colors and prints as the jumping off point for my blocks -- not sticking to this line exclusively, but including at least a bit of the line in each block.

I was so eager to get started this weekend that I made 4 blocks. No, I'm not an overachiever -- I just know that the next few weeks are going to be crazy here in the Quilt Dad household so I thought I'd get a bit ahead while I can.

I saw you tweeting about this, and it really caught my attention - I have this book and have been wanting to start on it... but you know me, I want to start EVERYTHING. But this more so! And now seeing yours... resistance if futile. Fu. Tile.

Whoops! The book accidentally made it into my cart and then checked itself out too! I did go for one of the cheaper postage options though (I'm in Oz) so will be a few weeks before I can get started...plenty of time to get inspired though! Woo hoo very excited!

Love these traditional/modern blocks! I wish I could do this, but no time right now. It's fun to follow along, though. I'm also loving the Hobo blocks people are doing! Have you seen them? A history lesson in every stitch!

I made a similar quilt once from six inch quilt blocks and also 12 inch. The 6 inch were VERY complicated -- 33 blocks took me two years! You can see here: http://melissaslilaclane.blogspot.com/2011/03/im-redeemed.html

I love the idea of the modern fabrics to make Farmer's Wife. When I made my quilt I stuck to the more traditional Civil War type fabrics. I like your blocks so well, I may just take your idea and do another one in the "modern" version. It was a fun quilt to make and I enjoyed every block. Yours will turn out awesome!

If you own any Marti Michell templates, pull them out, you can use pcs in Sets A, B, D, N and S to cut many of the blocks. Marti rotary cut 100 with her templates. She was mailing charts out every 2 wks and is starting again this Friday. You can sign up on her website.